National HIV Testing Day

Today is National HIV Testing Day! Join others around the United States and get tested today!

According to AIDS.gov, 1 in 8 people living with HIV are unaware of their infection. About 1 in 4 new HIV infections are among youth ages 13-24 (1). HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus , a blood born virus. HIV is a virus that causes AIDS, and AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Who should get tested?

According to the CDC, the behaviors listed below increase your chances of getting HIV. If you answer yes to any of these questions, you should get tested for HIV as soon as possible (2).

Have you injected drugs or steroids or shared equipment (such as needles, syringes, works) with others?

Have you had unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with men who have sex with men, multiple partners, or anonymous partners?

Have you exchanged sex for drugs or money?

Have you been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), like syphilis?

Have you had unprotected sex with someone who could answer yes to any of the above questions?

If you have had sex with someone whose history of sex partners and/or drug use is unknown to you or if you or your partner has had many sex partners, then you have more of a chance of being infected with HIV. Both you and your new partner should get tested for HIV, and learn the results, before having sex for the first time.

HealthNet’s Family Planning Title X Program offers confidential HIV testing. The Family Planning Resource Title X Program hours are as follows: